Linear algebra

<p>K, so I love math but am also going premed, so I really want to get A's..and I took Calc BC junior year and got a 5/A (much bigger accomplishment in this class since I was the only one with an A in a class with 6 ppl going to MIT). So: do you think I can get an A with this professor--Sjamaar? Also, does anyone have any tips for math 2210, linear algebra? (How does it compare to clac I and II in terms of difficulty, etc.?)</p>

<p>I took Calc III so I can’t compare linear algebra with Calc I and II but overall it wasn’t a terribly difficult class. The means on the tests were high if I remember correctly. And I was premed as well.</p>

<p>thanks. do you know if linear algebra w/ applications is less proof-based? (I’m assuming since 2210 is for math majors and is not as “applicable”)–I’m not looking for an easier course per se–I just want to get up through intro to differential equations (math 3230) (all the math required for intermediate mechanics (lagrangian mechanics) and quantum mechanics)</p>

<p>It’s not worth the hassle to thoroughly investigate the course / professor: As long as you have a solid understanding of the course material, and put in a solid effort, you will do well (with extremely rare exceptions, but they should be handled if you adapt to the course properly). </p>

<p>As for linear algebra, it is completely different from calculus. Some people like to say it’s more “abstract” - And yes, I’d encourage you to take a more applied form of linear algebra (if it exists)</p>

<p>i intended to be a math major among three other majors (quad major) and therefore enrolled in math2210. i did some thinking and decided that a math major was not for me on top of three other majors. but it was too late for the drop deadline. so i stuck with it. it was very heavy on theory and proofs. the class is filled with math majors and math wizzes, so unless you are really good at math, the competition is fierce. the exams too are heavy with theoretical components and little numerical calculation is needed. if you are just interested in math and not intending to be a math major, then take the so much easier math2310, the applied one. the applied one is very much easier than the theoretical one. on exams you wont see much proofs, but rather just computation and application. the class is filled with nonmath majors, so it will be much easier to beat the mean. id say that getting a C+/B- in math2210 would be just as hard to get an A/A+ in math2310.</p>

<p>if you arent going to major in math, by all means, take math2310. it is going to be much more suitable and more fun. but if you are in for a challenge, and i mean a challenge, take math2210.</p>

<p>premeds stick to math2310 (no proofs, just computations)
(non-rigorous) math major/econ/phys stick to math2210
real* math majors stick to math2230 (and then 2240 in the spring)</p>

<p>*aspiring math grad school</p>

<p>It sounds like you’re better off taking math2310, Ivysaur (unless you’re really thinking of math major)</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice norcal, equilibrium, ansar and reptil! Yeah, I mean, I like the theory, but as I said, I need the grades. As for multivar (vector calc)…it seems like math 2220 isn’t very theoretical either…but is calc III again easier than multivar (math 2220)? Either way, do you think that route is not rigorous enough for a prospective physics major? I mean…I really caught between bio and physics right now…and the difference between the two isn’t that significant (b/c of the premed courses I’d be taking all ready)…I’m really ****ed they dont have a physics minor</p>

<p>Saw the subject and want to ask, for engineers, what can you place out of if you have taken linear algebra already (took my final for it today, what a coincidence)?</p>

<p>ansar, the 2210 is not for econ majors. there is no reason as to why an econ major would ever take 2210 over 2310. the proofs and focus on theory has little application in economics. perhaps econ+math majors should take 2210, but not pure econ majors who are interested in math: for them 2210 is more appropriate. up to this point the only application of linear algebra in economics ive seen is in econometrics, inside an appendix of a textbook (a topic not covered by the course).</p>

<p>as a premed nonmath major, do 2310+2130. i would say for subjects where you apply linear algebra (like physics and economics) those two courses will be more appropriate. however, you can always up the ante and get your feet wet and do something challenging. not doing 2210+2220 wont prevent you from your physics major. it says you need to take one of 1120, 2210 or 2220. so by taking 1120+2130+2310 you can pursue either a bio or physics major. </p>

<p>i feel the same way as you but for the math major (minor). i wish they had it.</p>

<p>reptil, there were swarms of (innocent) econ majors in 2210 when i took it…oh poor souls. You’re definitely right that it is overkill for them. I think it is because they were doing econ/math double (well, emphasis on were …)</p>

<p>edit: I see you’re right about the flexibility in math as a physics major…I still wouldn’t recommend it though, but that’s just my $0.02 </p>

<p>here’s different ways you can do the math sequence, Ivysaur
<a href=“http://www.physics.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/courses.pdf[/url]”>http://www.physics.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/courses.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>thanks again everyone. I’m definitely sure I want to pursue 2130 - 2310 - eng differential eq path. However, I’m buying the texts for the more rigorous versions (2210, 2220) so I can go over any material/theory relevant to quantum mech (which is quite math heavy)–that way i can still learn it without having to risk my gpa, etc.</p>